quite a commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite a commotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is noisy, chaotic, or full of activity, often implying that it is unexpected or excessive. Example: "When the fire alarm went off, there was quite a commotion in the office as everyone rushed to the exits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It must have made quite a commotion.

The Guardian - Travel

It created quite a commotion, the intended effect.

The New York Times

It's causing quite a commotion, but what exactly is synthetic biology?

The Guardian

It was, compared to the subdued strain in which each had answered my questions individually, quite a commotion.

The Guardian - Business

He caused quite a commotion in April at Santa Anita, when he shook off his saddle and romped around the barn area.

The New York Times - Sports

The issue is causing quite a commotion in Fairfield, where one plan to solve the overcrowding at the town's only high school would cost about $120 million, which would be one of the most expensive municipal school building projects in state history.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There was quite a little commotion in West 52nd Street, when a taxicab drew up in front of one of the elegant dives of the….

The New Yorker

Mr. Merritt took over his present job this July upon the death of Morrill… There was quite a little commotion in West 52nd Street, when a taxicab drew up in front of one of the elegant dives of the… Tin Pan Alley has been turned down by Postal Telegraph Co. re.

The New Yorker

There was quite a little commotion in West 52nd Street, when a taxicab drew up in front of one of the elegant dives of the neighborhood with a young lady in evening clothes at the wheel, and in the back seat the taxidriver and her escort.

The New Yorker

By Philip Schuyler, Watts, and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, February 8 , 1936P. 11 There was quite a little commotion in West 52nd Street, when a taxicab drew up in front of one of the elegant dives of the neighborhood with a young lady in evening clothes at the wheel, and in the back seat the taxidriver and her escort.

The New Yorker

Jarnell Stokes, a member of the University of Tennessee men's basketball team, started quite an Internet commotion when he shared an image of his "lil big bro," Isaiah, playing football against a much, much smaller opponent.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure that "quite a commotion" accurately reflects the situation's intensity. For less dramatic events, alternatives like "a bit of a stir" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a commotion" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "uproar", "stir", or "disturbance" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a commotion" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig's AI affirms its correctness. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., "caused quite a commotion") or follows a linking verb to describe a state of affairs. It is used to describe an event or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a commotion" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned phrase used to describe a noisy or disruptive situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It commonly appears in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "a considerable stir" and "a notable disturbance", offering variations in intensity and nuance. While useful for describing excitement or disorder, writers should avoid overuse and consider context-appropriate synonyms. The phrase is understood to denote a significant, often unexpected, disturbance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable stir

Emphasizes the level of excitement or interest caused.

a significant uproar

Suggests a more intense and potentially negative reaction.

a notable disturbance

Focuses on the interruption of peace or order.

a great deal of excitement

Highlights the enthusiasm and anticipation generated.

a considerable fuss

Implies unnecessary or excessive concern and activity.

a major kerfuffle

Suggests a brief and often amusing period of disruption.

a sizable ruckus

Highlights a noisy and disorderly disturbance.

a considerable agitation

Focuses on the state of anxiety or restlessness.

a marked disruption

Emphasizes the interruption of a normal process or state.

a palpable excitement

Focuses on the enthusiasm that is almost tangible or perceivable

FAQs

How can I use "quite a commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "quite a commotion" to describe a noisy, chaotic, or disruptive situation. For example, "The unexpected announcement caused quite a commotion among the employees."

What can I say instead of "quite a commotion"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable stir", "a notable disturbance", or "a significant uproar" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "quite a commotion"?

Yes, "quite a commotion" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase in English. It is used to describe a significant disturbance or excitement.

What's the difference between "quite a commotion" and "a minor disturbance"?

"Quite a commotion" implies a more significant and noticeable disruption, while "a minor disturbance" suggests a smaller, less impactful event. The choice depends on the scale and intensity of the situation you are describing.